It took a full week before Eric began to cast spells again. First was a trip to Flourish & Blott's, to get a temporary wand. He'd make his own again eventually, but he had to start with something. Then came the drills; hour after hour of casting practice. His first spells were shaky, but eventually they began to find their own form. They were still nowhere near his original abilities, but Professor Frugilagus wasn't surprised.
"Eric, I know that events have given you quite a shock, but you have to get your skills back. Like it or not, you will have need of them." Corvin's drills took him through all the major disciplines in a matter of days. As such, it wasn't long before he was back to his old abilities.
The professor was pleased. "It's good that you're working so hard, for others are working for you as well. Since the Ministry's actions caused you to miss your O.W.L.s, Professor Dumbledore has arranged for you to be tested personally at the Ministry's expense. You have one week to prepare."
Eric would've liked more time, but the one week had to do. Although he remembered that Professor Frugilagus warned him against excelling, it seemed wrong to give anything less than his all. The Headmaster had gone through considerable trouble for his behalf. It wouldn't be right to give him less than the best he could.
After reviewing his results, Professor Flitwick called Eric into his office. "Outstanding news, my boy! Eight OWLs altogether, including three E's and two O's. Not a failure in the lot. I daresay the world is open to you." The chipper little man hunched forward on his desk. "So – what will it be? It's been a while since Ravenclaw has produced an Auror, or perhaps a Ministry job would be more to your liking."
"Neither, sir." Eric settled into his chair. "In all honesty, I've already had more excitement and adventure in my life than I wanted. With the way things are going, I'm probably going to have more, but what I'd really like to do is to find some quiet corner to make things. You know – custom broomsticks, wands, cabinets, ... or maybe magical research, or improving relations with other races." He leaned on one arm. "Well, maybe I really don't know what I want, except that I know I don't want any more adventures."
Professor Flitwick smiled and settled into his chair. "You know, I had my doubts – but no; you really are a Ravenclaw at heart. Far more interested in arts and sciences than in adventures, that's what makes a Ravenclaw. Well, no matter. It's clear that you'll be able to find your way without a problem. Just make sure it's the right thing for you."
As Eric wandered haphazardly towards the Main Hall, he bumped into Sheena Wyldehart. "Hey, watch it there!"
"Oh, sorry." Looking her over, he noticed a black dufflebag slung over her shoulder. "All packed for the summer?"
"All packed forever, my friend. My seven years are over, and I am OUTAHERE! I'm off to seek my fortune. So; have you got my cloak?"
"It's back in the Weasley's store. It had some flaws at first, but I got them ironed out." He suddenly became rather glum. "I'm going to miss you."
"Hey, don't look like that. I'll keep in touch. In fact, the gang's getting together in London in a few days. You'll be there?" Eric nodded. "Good – I'm going to hold you to that." She wandered off back towards the dormitories.
Entering the Main Hall, he settled in for lunch. After a few minutes, Dorian came over to him. "Planning to sulk forever?"
Eric growled slightly before replying. "You have no idea what it's like."
Naomi flanked him on his other side. "Maybe not, but we can still help you through all of this."
"Naomi – almost everything I thought I knew about magic is wrong."
She peeked out from her cloak, locking her eyes with his. "Then you start over. There's nothing stopping you from making a fresh break of things, and you know enough now to pursue all the things you did before. Maybe with more caution, and maybe with more respect for the consequences of what you do. Whatever you do – don't run, or you'll be running all of your life."
Eric gave her a sour look. "Sounds like a lot of canned answers."
She set a gentle hand on his arm. "Things don't have to be original to be true. Now eat your lunch so you can help me. While you were gone, I pulled the short straw: I have to track down all the stuff Luna has absent-mindedly lost over the last year."